Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Mechanical Engineering

PDF

Theses and Dissertations

2003

Bistable micromechanisms

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Development Of In-Plane Compliant Bistable Microrelays, Troy Alan Gomm Jun 2003

Development Of In-Plane Compliant Bistable Microrelays, Troy Alan Gomm

Theses and Dissertations

Bistable microrelays have many possible applications and have the potential to reduce the size, weight, power consumption, and cost of products in which they are used. This research outlines the current state of microrelays, presents three new compliant bistable micromechanisms, and characterizes their performance as microrelays. The characterization includes a treatment of a new force-tester, a preliminary contact resistance study, contact-force measurements, switching time measurements, insertion loss, AC isolation, breakdown voltage, and DC isolation. This document also includes recommendations for further research.